A Study of Individualization in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls

Article Information

Title: A Study of Individualization in J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls

Authors: Muhamad Afzal Khan, Azhar Munir Bhatti

Journal: Critical Review of Social Sciences and Humanities (CRSSH)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30

Publisher: Government Post Graduate College

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 2

Issue: 1

Language: English

Keywords: : J.B. PriestleyAn Inspector CallsindividualizationUlrich BeckElisabeth Beck-Gernsheim

Abstract

The present article aims at interpreting J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls through the lens of capitalism as an individualizing phenomenon described in Individualization Institutionalized Individualism and its Social and Political Consequences by Ulrich Beck and Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim. It is to see how in terms of free market-economy, individualization is an anti-social ideology which works to divide people into individuals and brings about feelings of selfishness and individualism among them. This present study explores how the individualizing factor becomes too pressing to deprive the Berling family and the Croft family of social ability and humanitarian approach towards less privileged class girl, Miss Daisy Renton. Consequently, the same individualization makes the capitalists selfish, passionless and cruel to such an extent that all members of the manufacturing families are bent upon punishing the labourer, Miss Eva Smith/ Miss Daisy Renton because she raises her voice for her rights. The continuous exploitation leaves no room for her. Individualization in the play under analysis induces the capitalists to have rat race after more and more profit at the cost of others’ sufferings till their death. Hence, it is individualistic approach in capitalism that forces a girl named Eva Smith to commit suicide as she is left alone in the world of capitalists who blackmail and torture her for her being shelterless and jobless. Investigation of individualization in the play under study is much important because it makes the public aware of individualizing impact of capitalism on the proletariat.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To interpret J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" through the lens of capitalism as an individualizing phenomenon, as described by Ulrich Beck and Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim, to understand how free-market economy fosters an anti-social ideology leading to selfishness and individualism, and its impact on the working class.

Methodology

Qualitative, thematic analysis of J.B. Priestley's "An Inspector Calls" as the primary source. Secondary sources include articles, research papers, reviews, and internet resources. The theoretical framework is based on Ulrich Beck and Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim's "Individualization: Institutionalized Individualism and its Social and Political Consequences."

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Identify Theoretical Framework: Beck & Beck-Gernsheim's Individualization"] --> B["Select Primary Source: J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls"]
    B --> C["Gather Secondary Sources: Articles, Research Papers, Internet"]
    C --> D["Conduct Thematic Analysis of the Play"]
    D --> E["Analyze Characters and Plot through the Lens of Individualization and Capitalism"]
    E --> F["Formulate Key Findings and Conclusions"]

Discussion

The study argues that the individualizing nature of capitalism, as theorized by Beck and Beck-Gernsheim, is a central theme in "An Inspector Calls." The play illustrates how this ideology blinds the capitalist class to their social and moral obligations, leading them to exploit and disregard the working class. The characters' actions demonstrate a consistent pattern of selfishness, self-centeredness, and a "divide and rule" mentality, ultimately resulting in the destruction of individuals like Eva Smith.

Key Findings

Capitalism, as depicted in "An Inspector Calls," promotes an individualizing ideology that divides people, fostering selfishness and a lack of social responsibility. This approach leads to the exploitation and suffering of the working class, exemplified by the tragic fate of Miss Eva Smith/Daisy Renton. The capitalist families, the Berlings and the Crofts, prioritize economic interests over human welfare, contributing to the downfall of the less privileged.

Conclusion

The research confirms that "An Inspector Calls" vividly portrays the negative consequences of capitalist individualization on the proletariat. The play highlights how the pursuit of economic interests by the bourgeois families, the Berlings and the Crofts, leads to the exploitation and demise of the working class, represented by Eva Smith. The individualizing approach deeply ingrained in the characters' psyche results in a lack of social and humanitarian concern, ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome.

Fact Check

- The play "An Inspector Calls" is by J.B. Priestley. (Confirmed by text)
- The theoretical framework is based on the work of Ulrich Beck and Elisabeth Beck-Gernsheim. (Confirmed by text)
- The play depicts two families, the Berlings and the Crofts, exploiting a working-class girl named Eva Smith/Daisy Renton. (Confirmed by text)

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